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Redbox Instant, Flixster to join Sony's own live event streaming service on PS3, PS4 and PlayStation Vita
Sony's own PlayStation 3 just happens to be the most used Netflix-streaming device in the word, but that doesn't mean the outfit isn't offering a diverse array of streaming options. Today at its E3 press event, the company announced that the all three of its consoles -- PS3, PS4 and Vita -- will support a Sony live viewer service, Redbox Instant and Flixter, as well. Sony didn't say when support for these services would arrive, but made sure to mention that its own Music and Video Unlimited apps would be available on the PlayStation 4 at launch. Hit up our ongoing liveblog for additional coverage.
Sony to bring original programming to PS4 and PSN
With its much anticipated PS4 console reveal out of the way, Sony brought out Entertainment head Michael Lynton to talk media services for the platform. When the PS4 launches later this year, gamers will be privy to exclusive, original programming crafted specifically for PSN and made by Sony's studios. No further details were given on just what the company has in store nor what the pricing model would be (free vs paid?). But like Microsoft, Sony's looking to maximize on its living room position and, of course, that familiar buzz word: corporate synergy.
PlayStation 4 console hardware finally revealed
Well, we know what the controller and the Eye look like, we've got all sorts of details about what's under the hood and we've even seen some games in action. What we haven't seen yet is the PlayStation 4 itself. Well, thankfully Sony didn't make us wait too long at this year's E3 before fleshing out those little sneak peaks with a full on reveal. Shocker: it's all black! Well, almost all black. There is a strip of purple dividing the mostly murdered-out tower. Like the Xbox One it's a pretty unassuming looking console. Gone are the dramatic swoops and curves of the PS3, and so are just about any obvious buttons. The two halves of the PS4 are slightly offset and angled to create a slightly agressive profile when viewed from the right angle, but mostly it seems designed not to draw attention to itself -- pretty much the exact opposite of the last generation of gaming platforms. The one portion of the device with the Sony and PlayStation logos on it is that glossy "piano black" we're all familiar with. But, the rest of the device appears to be a matte black which makes the console look serious. And not business serious like a BlackBerry, hostile serious like a knife. As you can see, as with previous iterations, there is a stand for keeping the console upright, should you have more vertical than horizontal space. There's plenty of images in the galleries below. But, don't worry, we'll be back with plenty more once we get to see it in the flesh. %Gallery-190979% %Gallery-190982%
Sony announces GTA V exclusive PS3 bundle and headset, coming September 17th for $299
Sony's making a whole bunch of announcements at tonight's E3 press conference, and GTA V is on the list. The company just unveiled a bundle and headset for the PlayStation 3. Included in the package is a 500GB PS3, a Blu-ray copy of the game, 30-day trial PlayStation Plus membership, a custom GTA V Pulse and a special audio mode. If you're still in the market for the current-gen console despite tonight's revelations of the PS4, expect the bundle to arrive on September 17th, and it'll cost you $299 for the whole package. Follow our liveblog for all of the latest news from E3 2013.
Sony E3 2013 PlayStation liveblog!
Since Sony's big PlayStation 4 announcement event in rainy New York City February, the Japanese electronics giant has been relatively quiet on the gaming front. With a teaser video in late May and an even teasier email sent to PlayStation Network users this past week, Sony's begun emerging from the dark. Tonight, the proverbial curtain will be whisked away for the largest unveiling of PlayStation 4 to date. And knowing Sony, we'll get an earful about the PlayStation 3 and Vita in the process. Follow belong after the break as we report live from the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena -- fingers crossed for massive damage jokes! June 10, 2013 8:45:00 PM EDT
Engadget and Joystiq's Sony PlayStation pre-event broadcast: live from E3
Been aching to find out what Sony's PlayStation 4 actually looks like? So have we. Fortunately, Engadget's Ben Gilbert and Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski are right outside of the company's E3 press event, happily speculating on the box's potential shape -- not to mention what games we might see for it today. Head past the break to hear the pair's predictions for the show -- and of course, you can always follow along on our liveblog when they're finished. Update: You can find an archived video of the stream after the break!
Ubisoft announces Rabbids Invasion 'interactive TV show' coming to Xbox One
At Ubisoft's pre-E3 press conference it's just announced a new platform for its Rabbid characters, the Rabbids Invasion interactive TV show. Launching on the Xbox One, it allows the viewer to actively participate in certain scenes in order to move the story along. That can include such kid-friendly activities as dancing along with the Rabbids, shouting at them, or helping them aim at each other in an egg fight. Yeah, Watch_Dogs this ain't, but it will be interesting to see if this combo of passive content and active interaction catches on with next generation hardware.
Ubisoft E3 2013 liveblog!
In a normal E3 year, we might not liveblog Ubisoft's annual press briefing, but this year's different. This year's special. And Ubisoft is known for being an especially supporting partner when it comes to new game hardware launches, so we're here in downtown Los Angeles at the ... Los Angeles Theater to bring you breaking coverage of the French game publisher's next-gen plans. With Assassin's Creed 4 and Watch Dogs out of the way, what else does Ubi have up its sleeves? Let's find out below! June 10, 2013 5:45:00 PM EDT
Microsoft lists new Play and Charge Kit, Chat Headset for Xbox One (update)
Once you've purchased that hot new Xbox One, you've got to have a couple of accessories to go along with it. Naturally Microsoft has thought of that, as it just announced a new version of its Play and Charge Kit plus a refreshed Chat Headset to accompany the next-gen console. As with the previous iteration, the Kit bundles in a controller-compatible lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack plus a cable that'll charge the gamepad when connected to the console. Microsoft claims it can juice up twice as fast as its predecessor and is able to keep charging during gameplay or standby. You can either get the Kit by itself or as part of a controller bundle. The Chat Headset appears to be the same as it was before; it's a wired mono headset with wideband digital audio and a unidirectional microphone. We're still looking for details on pricing and availability (plus a picture or two), but we'll let you know more details as soon we do. Update: We've added a source link to the Xbox One accessories page plus a picture of both the Play and Charge Kit and the Chat Headset.
Electronic Arts E3 2013 liveblog!
When EA reps took the stage at Microsoft's Xbox One unveiling event a few weeks back, they were part of a very small group of game companies represented. The world got a first look at EA's new sports game engine, Ignite, and a tease of what to expect come this holiday, but we're betting there'll be even more interesting stuff presented during the company's press briefing this afternoon at E3 2013. A closer look at Battlefield 4 and a thorough detailing of EA Sports' various annual franchises are locks, as is a second premiere of Respawn's new game Titanfall. What's got us really excited is a possible Mirror's Edge sequel reveal. Find out with us in real time with the liveblog just below the break. June 10, 2013 3:45:00 PM EDT
Xbox One games roundup from Microsoft's E3 keynote
When we were first introduced to the Xbox One, we heard about the hardware. Today, at Microsoft's E3 keynote, it was all about the games. We had a look at Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, a One-exclusive Killer Instinct reboot and Ryse: Son of Rome (both an exclusive and a launch title). We also learned that Minecraft would be getting some expanded multiplayer options when it hits the new console, and checked out the "open-world shooter" Sunset Overdrive. That wasn't all: we caught some stunning footage of Forza Motorsport 5, as well as Quantum Break (exclusive), Crimson Dragon, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and zombie survival game Dead Rising 3 (arriving "this holiday" as a One exclusive). We saw some hectic action in Battlefield 4, which will have a "Second Assault" DLC available to Xbox One users first, and spied Titanfall, another exclusive landing "spring 2014." You can also make your own games in Project Spark, and there are a bunch of trailers for the titles mentioned above available now at the YouTube source link, including some for games that weren't featured on-stage. Oh, we almost forgot to mention. New Halo. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Engadget and Joystiq's Microsoft event wrap-up broadcast: live from E3!
Microsoft may have gotten the first word in at E3 (thanks to having the earliest press event) but will its litany of exclusive announcements enough to steal the show? Maybe, but we did hear a few gasps escape the audience when the firm dropped that $499 price tag. Let Engadget's Ben Gilbert and Joystiq Editor in Chief Ludwig Kietzmann break down the price, the games and presentation's technical difficulties for you in our post-event live stream. Join the fun after the break. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Microsoft announces Xbox One price: $499, launches in 21 countries in November (updated)
Despite Microsoft's enthusiasm for its next-generation console, one important piece was missing from its Xbox One announcement last month: the console's price. Luckily, the company's E3 press event presented the firm with the perfect time to remedy the mistake: the Xbox One will sell for $499 in the US, 499 euros in Europe, and £429 in the UK when it launches this November. The console will be rolling out to 21 countries in all, so let the countdown to launch day begin! Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Xbox Live to ditch Microsoft Points, switch to local currencies
Having to gauge how cash translates into Microsoft Points will be a thing of the past. Ballmer and Co. just announced that they're doing way with their specialized points on Xbox Live, and will instead rely on your local currency. That's not the only change coming to Redmond's online service, however. Just as promised right after the Xbox One reveal, a single Gold account can be shared among family members on a console. The more the merrier, eh? Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
SmartGlass for Xbox One detailed: in-game purchases, multiplayer control and gameplay tips
It's not just the hardware and games that are getting an overhaul in Microsoft's next generation, it's the services too. Today at E3, Microsoft demonstrated the new SmartGlass app compatible with Xbox One. Using Crytek's Ryse: Son of Rome for the demo and running off of a Surface tablet, reps were able to show how real-time info can be streamed to the player on the second screen. This extended functionality also encompasses the ability to start a single player game, setup multiplayer, buy add-on content while in-game and view leaderboard stats, as well as tips and tricks for concurrent gameplay. All of this comes in addition to the video scraping feature, which utilizes Twitch.tv, Microsoft had previously announced for Xbox One SmartGlass -- just as promised. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Minecraft coming to Xbox One with expanded multiplayer features
Minecraft is coming to Xbox One as a special edition with expanded multiplayer capabilities. The popular sandbox game will also be getting massively larger worlds, something that wasn't possible on the 360 thanks to its limited RAM. If there are any other new features or updates we'll have to wait a bit longer to find out, the title was mentioned only very quickly during Microsoft's E3 press event. But, we wouldn't worry about Mojang drastically altering the formula that has worked so well. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Crytek's Ryse: Son of Rome demoed for Xbox One, available as launch title
With Microsoft's Xbox One hardware reveal out of the way, the company's shifting focus to its launch lineup. And here at E3, we got a first look at just what the One is capable of with Crytek's previously announced Ryse: Son of Rome. The game, an exclusive for the platform, lets players take control of a Roman General and features gameplay that'll have players slashing through hordes of warriors, engaging in quick time events, all set in the Roman Empire. From what was demoed on stage, Ryse looks to be a technically impressive feat, showcasing strong particle effects, lighting and a massive number of onscreen characters. It'll be available as an XBox One launch title, so if you're planning on a pre-order for MS' next-gen console, this is a future purchase worth considering. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Killer Instinct returns as an Xbox One-exclusive title (updated)
That's right, folks. Killer Instinct is making a return to consoles. When it arrives, the title will be exclusive to the Xbox One. "We listened, and Killer Instinct is back, only on Xbox One" said Microsoft Game Studios VP Phil Spencer. No word on an exact release date, though, so we'll bee keeping an eye out for those details. Update: IGN has learned that the Killer Instinct reboot will be free to play, and will be a download-only launch title. But what does free to play actually mean? You get one character, and have to pay an as-yet unspecified amount for any additional fighters. Bummer. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
World of Tanks heads to consoles for the first time on the Xbox 360
The free-to-play tank battle title that was exclusive to PC gamers is heading to the Xbox 360. World of Tanks Xbox 360 Edition will mark the game's first foray on a console and will be free for all Xbox Live Gold members. You can expect 15-on-15 multiplayer warfare this summer -- only on the Xbox 360. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Xbox 360 gets a One-like redesign: estimated pricing starts at $200, shipping today
While all eyes are on Xbox One news at Microsoft's E3 keynote, the company's just announced that the Xbox 360 is getting yet another design iteration. Taking cues from the "modern look and feel of the Xbox One," it's touted as smaller, sleeker and quieter. Microsoft did a good job keeping this quiet, as it's shipping today in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia, with other markets receiving it over the coming months. "Hundreds of new games" are apparently headed to the 360 over the next couple of years, proving the old console's still got some life in it yet, and an Xbox Live subscription will net you some older ones for free, come July. The estimated retail price for the console with 4GB of storage is $200; adding a Kinect to that option hikes the cost up to $300. Or, swap the Kinect out for a 250GB HDD and it'll also cost $300. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.